Fire Damages UW Lab
Hazardous Incident Team Called To Scene
Updated: 10:25 am CDT August 19, 2008
MADISON, Wis. -- A fire Monday night damaged a University of Wisconsin-Madison lab that reportedly contained radioactive materials.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportMadison firefighters, University of Wisconsin-Madison police and hazardous materials teams responded to the fire in a molecular biology lab at 1215 Linden Drive at about 8:05 p.m. Monday.The fire was put out within 15 minutes, but the building was evacuated. Once the smoke cleared, a sign was found on the laboratory door indicating radioactive materials were stored inside. Crews requested the Hazardous Incident Team at the scene and firefighters exited the building.Authorities set up a perimeter around the building as a precaution.The Hazardous Incident Team used instruments to rule out the presence of any radioactive materials. Although no contamination was detected, fire equipment was rinsed with water to remove any residue from the smoky fire.Authorities said there were about 10 people working in the building when the incident occurred. No injuries were reported.The Madison Fire Department said that several people didn't leave when fire alarms sounded and were still working in the building while firefighters were extinguishing the flames. Fire officials said police were requested to get the people out of the building.The City of Madison Fire Investigation Unit is assisting the UW-Madison Police Department with the fire cause investigation.Authorities have not yet released a damage estimate.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportMadison firefighters, University of Wisconsin-Madison police and hazardous materials teams responded to the fire in a molecular biology lab at 1215 Linden Drive at about 8:05 p.m. Monday.The fire was put out within 15 minutes, but the building was evacuated. Once the smoke cleared, a sign was found on the laboratory door indicating radioactive materials were stored inside. Crews requested the Hazardous Incident Team at the scene and firefighters exited the building.Authorities set up a perimeter around the building as a precaution.The Hazardous Incident Team used instruments to rule out the presence of any radioactive materials. Although no contamination was detected, fire equipment was rinsed with water to remove any residue from the smoky fire.Authorities said there were about 10 people working in the building when the incident occurred. No injuries were reported.The Madison Fire Department said that several people didn't leave when fire alarms sounded and were still working in the building while firefighters were extinguishing the flames. Fire officials said police were requested to get the people out of the building.The City of Madison Fire Investigation Unit is assisting the UW-Madison Police Department with the fire cause investigation.Authorities have not yet released a damage estimate. Copyright 2008 by Channel 3000. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
